Eggplant and Chicken Casserole: A Flavorful Chinese Delight.

“Eggplant Casserole” is a flavorful Chinese dish featuring tender chunks of eggplant, chicken (or your choice of protein), and a savory sauce. It’s a delightful fall meal that can be tailored to your taste preferences with various seasonings. Serve it over rice for a delicious and comforting dinner.

The preparation time for Eggplant Casserole typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized eggplants, cut into chunks
• 2 chicken thighs, cut into pieces (you can also use other meats or tofu as a substitute)
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 piece of ginger, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped into sections
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Red chili pepper (optional, to taste)

Cooking Steps:

1. Heat the Pan and Sauté the Eggplant:
   • In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat and add the eggplant chunks. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the eggplant starts to soften and turn slightly golden.
2. Add Onion, Garlic, and Ginger:
   • Add the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger to the pan. Continue to stir-fry for a few minutes until they become fragrant.
3. Incorporate Chicken (or Meat/Tofu):
   • Add the chicken thigh pieces (or your choice of meat or tofu) to the pan and stir-fry for a few minutes until the meat changes color.
4. Seasoning:
   • Pour in the soy sauce, sugar, and add salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a spicy dish, you can also add some chopped red chili pepper at this stage.
5. Add Water or Chicken Broth:
   • Pour in water or chicken broth, then cover the pan with a lid. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the eggplant and meat are fully cooked.
6. Final Seasoning:
   • Lastly, add the chopped green onions, stir to combine, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld all the flavors together.
7. Serve:
   • Plate the eggplant casserole and serve it with rice.

This is a delicious, savory Chinese dish with rich sauce and tender eggplant. It pairs well with chicken or other proteins and is perfect for a fall dinner. You can adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your taste preferences. Enjoy!